IT WAS shops ahoy as the Bullring Britannia cruise ship was launched in royal style in the city centre.

Queen look-alike Mary Reynolds was given the job of naming the ship at a VIP party before it opened to the public in Birmingham.

The 48ft liner will be docked in St Martin’s Square throughout the summer offering shoppers the chance to relax with parties, games, competitions and music.

With its very own beach and deckchairs, it will be offering land-locked Brummies plenty of space to enjoy life on the ocean wave.

It's all hands on deck for range of activities on the ship with a Selfridges fashion show on Wednesday, June 11, HMV and Galaxy karaoke competition on Thursday, June 19, a Mr Sexy Legs competition on Wednesday, June 25, and a live music party on Wednesday, July 2.

And once the school holidays begin at the end of July there will be fun for families with children’s entertainers, pizza master classes and a Generation Game contest.

Birmingham Royal Ballet are also joining the crew of the Britannia on August 20 with a day of dance workshops, giving the public the chance to see some of their colourful costumes and opportunities to win tickets to see one of their shows.

"We're positive that the series of events we have planned will encourage shoppers and visitors to make Bullring and Birmingham their first choice destination this summer, proving that people don’t have to head to the coast for a fun filled summer.”

For full details, head over to Bullring Britannia or see the www.bullring.co.uk website.